Steve Martin is sent to Wild River to recover stolen gold and finds the town is being terrorized by The Hawk and his outlaw gang. The Hawk attempts to murder Sheriff Jack Mahoney and is captured and jailed. Steve helps the Hawk break jail and thus makes contact with the bandit gang. He sends a bungling photographer, Smiley Burnette, to warn the sheriff that the gang plan to rob the express office.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Charles StarrettSteve Martin / The Durango Kid | Steve Martin / The Durango Kid |
 Smiley BurnetteSmiley Burnette | Smiley Burnette |
 Jock MahoneyJack Mahoney | Jack Mahoney |
 Clayton MooreThe Hawk | The Hawk |
 Lane ChandlerGeorge/Storekeeper | George/Storekeeper |
 Eddie ParkerHenchman Skeeter | Henchman Skeeter |
 John CasonDuke/Henchman | Duke/Henchman |
 Sam FlintSheriff Clark Mahoney | Sheriff Clark Mahoney |
| JJim DiehlAl Travis | Al Travis |
| GGeorge BallDeputy | Deputy |